Definition of a Spybot

Spybots collect information on computers without a user's knowledge.

A spybot, more commonly referred to as spyware, is an application that collects computer information and Internet usage data without the computer user's knowledge. Spybot programs typically come bundled in files downloaded from the Internet, such as music, video or software, and install on the computer without the user's knowledge.

Information Collection

Spybot authors, often marketers and advertisers, design the programs to gather information for the purpose of targeting advertising to individual computer users. Spybots can gather information from a variety of sources within a computer, including Internet browser histories, word processing documents, emails, instant messaging conversations and user keystrokes.

Advertising

Spybot programs use a computer's Internet connection to transmit information back to the spybot home base (another computer designated by the spybot author). The home-base computer analyzes the information to determine appropriate ads to employ on the unwitting user's computer. Advertisements can appear as pop-up windows, or the spybot can change the user's homepage to deliver content.

Malicious Spybots

While threats associated with typical spybots can include unwanted Internet content or hijacked homepages, criminals can use spybots in the commission of identity theft. Spybot authors can create programs to collect and transmit credit card numbers, security passwords and email addresses.

References

• TechTarget: Spyware
• Webopedia: Spyware
• PC Magazine: Definition of Spyware